How to Approach Complex Challenges Creatively

As part of my first software engineering job, which was at a manufacturing firm, my manager granted me freedom to choose what I wanted to work on. Little I knew that that meant independently identifying business needs and then crafting solutions. As a novice in the software engineering realm, I lacked the guidance and mentorship typically offered to newcomers. Instead, I was thrust into a role where I was expected to create my own work. In general, those skills are characteristic of mid to senior level engineers. I spent the following months observing mechanical engineers and technicians. I meticulously observed their routines, pinpointed their pain points, and identified the repetitive tasks that were consuming their time. Six months into the role and I prototyped a computer vision solution that automated visual inspection of freshly assembled medical devices. I wrote it fully in C++ using the OpenCV library, with unit tests and proper documentation. My prototype quickly garnered attention and piqued interest, evolving into a full-scale solution that significantly reduced the manual labor required, saving us tens of hours each week. This experience taught me valuable lessons about embarking on new projects and joining teams: 1️⃣ Observe and Inquire: Start by closely observing and asking questions. Take diligent notes as you go along. 2️⃣ Identify Pain Points: Understand where the team is struggling the most, and recognize the areas in need of improvement. 3️⃣ Propose Well-Considered Solutions: Suggest solutions with well-thought alternatives. Be prepared to present your ideas effectively. 4️⃣ Execute and Deliver: Put your plans into action, and ensure your implementation aligns with the team's needs. Following these steps will allow you to become an organizational asset and propel your growth. This journey not only honed my technical skills but also imparted crucial insights into the dynamics of software engineering and problem-solving in a real-world context.

🔍 Are Your Problem-Solving Habits Holding You Back? 🔍 🎯 As we step into November, a season of planning and setting ambitious goals for the next year, it's the perfect time to ponder on this question. I have been reflecting upon common missteps that hinder our problem analysis and solving - the insight I had was that they apply beyond our professional life: 1️⃣ Missing root-cause analysis: It's easy to take surface-level issues at face value without delving deeper into their origins. Just like when we see a dip in productivity in a team, and we assume they need more training, when in reality, the problem might lie in unclear processes. 2️⃣ Correlation bias: We often confuse what's merely connected with what truly causes a change. For example, just because you received a promotion after networking at an event, it doesn't mean the event caused the promotion. 3️⃣ Lacking an 80-20 focus: When dealing with complex problems, it's easy to get lost in the details. Prioritizing the most impactful actions is vital, just as in life, where focusing on a few major life changes often leads to more significant personal growth. 4️⃣ Confusion between 'Information', 'Insight', 'Implication', and 'Action': Gathering information is not the same as deriving meaningful insight, which, in turn, is different from realizing its implications and taking action. Misunderstanding this process can stall progress and lead to outliers of either ‘analysis / paralysis’ or ‘blind execution’ 💡 So, how do we address these biases and have an effective approach to problem solving? I. Problem Framing: Have a well-laid-out value driver tree that can pinpoint both logically and quantitatively the layers of drivers leading to a situation or problem. Investing deeply in problem definition and framing is often dismissed, but it contributes most foundationally to the eventual success. II. Solutioning: Rigorously think through all possibilities with their pros, cons, risks, and implications. This discipline is critical for every major problem or opportunity, however redundant it may seem. Just like the problem framing stage, in most cases the solution is almost never simply the first hypothesis we think of, but a nuanced and multinomial equation. III. Strategy to Execution: Though I'm addressing this separately, it adds to point II above. Engage real-world practitioners who can validate the execution plan deeply. Set up execution parameters grounded in reality, relying on feedback from past experiences. This ensures a realistic approach from strategy to execution, but also mitigates for inertia risks. 🤔 Being able to recognize the strengths and skills needed for effective problem solving across all these 3 steps is seldom found in one individual. Consider distributing these steps among individuals from complementary backgrounds and experiences. So, how do you tackle these biases in your journey to self-improvement? #ProblemSolving #IdentifyingBiases #ChangeStartsFromWithin

Facing a complex challenge at work? Forget asking for advice. Here's a radical approach that could change everything: It's called a Clearness Committee, and it's a Quaker practice that dates back to the 1660s. But don't let its age fool you - it's a tool that's more relevant for leaders than ever. Here's how it works: Gather a group of trusted colleagues - but not to give you their opinions or solutions. Instead, their job is to ask you honest, open questions. Questions that help you tap into your own inner wisdom and find clarity. No fixing, no advising, no steering. Just deep listening and powerful inquiries. As a leader, this can be transformative. I've started teaching Clearness Committees in my Curiosity Workshops. And the results are profound. Leaders understand that it feels much more energizing and engaging to have others ask you questions rather than give advice. They lean into these conversations rather than get defensive to well-intentioned suggestions. And the solutions they find are often more innovative than anything they could have come up with on their own. All because of the power of asking instead of telling. What complex challenge are you facing right now? What if you gathered a Clearness Committee and tried this approach? You might be surprised at the wisdom and clarity that emerges - not from others, but from within yourself.

The most challenging but valuable skill I help my clients develop is finding and framing their challenges. It’s super important because it builds agency and creates the most impact. Framing a challenge is framing the narrative for its solution. Why?  - “A problem well defined is a problem half-solved.” - Charles Kettering. Leaders who can define problems well are more likely to solve them successfully. - You say you want to make a change? Well, before you can defy the broken normal, you must first identify it. - It makes meetings productive and solutions targeted, making the process more exciting and fun for everyone. - By knowing how to present a challenge and ask for help, you also help others facing similar challenges now or in the future. A quick guide: - Prepare: Think about your challenge before your meetings. - Write down your challenge: Writing is thinking in words, so it helps you think through it. - Provide context. - Keep it short. - Focus on a single, clear issue rather than a broad or vague problem. - Clearly state what kind of feedback or assistance you seek. - Bring up challenges regularly, but only when you have something specific to address. Don’t force it, but create the habit. I hope this helps.

This week’s leadership tip is on Problem Solving. As leaders, we navigate through challenges daily, and the ability to solve problems efficiently is a cornerstone of successful management. Our methods of problem solving, through Lean Management techniques, are one of the things I believe make CITY Furniture unique.    Here are some ways you can improve problem solving within your organization:    ✅ Embrace a #Kaizen Mindset: Continuous improvement is key. Foster a culture where associates feel encouraged to identify and address issues. It's the accumulation of these small improvements that propels an organization towards excellence.   ✅ Go To The #Gemba: Go to where the work is done to really understand what is going on with your business. Ask questions. See with your own eyes the facts of the situation.   ✅ Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage analytics and metrics to gain insights into the root causes of issues. This not only accelerates the decision-making process but also ensures that solutions are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the problem.   ✅ Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Problems often span multiple departments, and the collective intelligence of a diverse team can lead to innovative solutions. Create forums for open communication and collaboration, fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their expertise.   ✅ Prioritize High-Impact Issues: Not all problems are created equal. Identify and prioritize high-impact issues that align with your organizational goals.    ✅ Learn from Failures, Celebrate Successes: Encourage your team to analyze setbacks, understand what went wrong, reflect, and use those insights to iterate and improve for the future. Similarly, celebrate the successes – both big and small – to reinforce a positive problem-solving culture.   ✅ Invest in Training and Development: Equip your team with the necessary skills to excel in problem-solving. Training and workshops focused on critical thinking, root cause analysis, & creative problem-solving techniques can significantly enhance your team's ability to address challenges effectively.   ✅ Lead by Example: As leaders, we set the tone for our organizations. Demonstrate a proactive and positive approach to problem-solving. Show that you value and appreciate the efforts of your team in addressing challenges. Your example will inspire others to embrace a similar mindset.    At CITY, by integrating problem-solving seamlessly into our culture, we help to eliminate waste and optimize our business for our customers, associates and even suppliers. This not only leads to improved productivity but also fosters a dynamic and always continuingly to improve company culture. That’s why I’m such a strong believer in problem solving, and encourage you all to take a look at it more closely.   How does your organization approach problem-solving, and what strategies have proven most effective?    #continuousimprovement #leadershiptips

I received a private message asking me if I had a methodology or framework for leadership when I'm asked to solve a problem. I decided to throw this visual together and walk through my typical approach(keep in mind these are known philosophies that I have adopted and organized in a way that works best for me and my style of leadership). 1. Embrace a presumption of positive intentions as your foundation. This fosters an atmosphere of exploration through harmony and trust. 2. Prioritize active listening—a skill demanding full concentration and ongoing refinement. Listening acknowledges the perspectives of those being led but also encompasses the interpretation of non-verbal cues. Use open-ended questions as a starting point. 3. Engage in learning by delving deeper into the situation. Ask more targeted open-ended questions to gain nuanced insights. Reflective listening, pauses and summarizations aid in ensuring alignment and comprehensive understanding. 4. Analyze the situation through the lens of three categories: People, Process, and Product. In my experience issues typically involve a blend of these elements, if not all three. -People: Investigate items such as management dynamics, personnel development, navigating tough conversations, and effective training/onboarding. -Process: Assess the existence and efficacy of well-defined, replicable, and adaptable processes. Clarity and comprehensiveness in documentation are strong considerations. -Product: Evaluate your existing tools are they working for your team? 5. Now you are armed to lead with a better understanding of the situation.

🌟 Embracing Clarity in a World of Complexity 🌟 Wanted to share my latest piece, "Navigating Complexity with Clarity," a reflection of my journey with the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Problem-Solving Methodology. In this article, you will dive deep into the structured yet flexible approach of “Observe and Collect – Assess and Develop – Disseminate and Integrate.” This isn't just a methodology; it's a mindset that fosters thoroughness, adaptability, and, most importantly, clarity in the face of complexity. 🔍 Why This Matters: A Compass for Leadership: Discover how a structured framework acts like a compass in leadership, guiding you through the dense forest of challenges. Simplicity and Completeness: Learn why this approach is both easy to grasp and comprehensive, aligning every action with your ultimate goal. Adaptability in Uncertain Times: Find out how this method helps navigate situations where the end state isn’t clearly defined, turning ambiguity into opportunity. I've experienced firsthand how this approach can transform decision-making processes, not just in military scenarios but in everyday life and business environments. It's about making sense of the world around us, even when the path isn’t clear. 💡 Key Takeaways: Gain insights into each phase of the methodology. Understand how to apply these principles in various scenarios. Learn to disseminate complex information effectively. This article is more than just a sharing of knowledge; it's a call to embrace adaptability and continuous learning. In our fast-evolving world, having a clear and adaptable problem-solving framework is indispensable. 📣 Call to Action: I invite you to read the article, reflect on your approach to complexity, and join me in a meaningful conversation. Let's discuss how these methods can be applied in your personal and professional life. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable, and I look forward to hearing how you navigate complexity with clarity. 🔗 Link to article: https://lnkd.in/ezr9WgDX #Leadership #ProblemSolving #Adaptability #AsymmetricWarfare

Find a leader who follows the mantra, "We'll figure it out." This type of leader is comfortable with uncertainty, embraces challenges, and encourages a problem-solving mindset within the team. They are likely to be: Optimistic in their Outlook: They embrace a positive and forward-looking perspective and view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Comfortable with Uncertainty: They are willing to operate in ambiguous situations and they thrive in navigating the unknown and encourage the team to do the same. Resourceful in Problem-Solving: They utilize available tools and skills to find effective solutions. They know scrappy well. Encouraging for Innovation: They foster a culture of innovation where team members are encouraged to think creatively and propose new ideas. I've been blessed with stellar leaders and have also had to navigate my fair share of leaders who were not team-oriented and isolated departments due to lack of success. Those situations are crippling and you feel at a loss for what to do to move the needle. This is a list of some questions I use to navigate understanding how the leadership team functions in an organization: Approach to Challenges: 1. How do you typically handle unexpected challenges or setbacks within the team? 2. Can you share an example of a time when you and your team faced uncertainty, and how did you navigate through it? Attitude Towards Ambiguity: 1. In what ways do you encourage your team to embrace uncertainty and find solutions in uncharted territory? Problem-Solving Strategies: 1. When faced with a problem, how do you approach finding solutions? 2. Can you share an instance where you had to be resourceful in solving a significant issue within the team? Innovation and Creativity: 1. How do you foster a culture of innovation within your team? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when your team came up with a creative solution to a complex problem? Handling Change: 1. How do you lead your team through periods of change? 2. What strategies do you employ to ensure your team stays focused and positive during transitions or challenges? This isn't all-inclusive, but gives some clarity as to how the team functions. What would you add?

I updated my profile to focus on problem solving, collaboration, and communications. What do you think? New Profile: I have come to realize that better collaboration and communication can help solve many of our problems. The best people to solve problems are the ones that experience the challenges day after day. Yet often they don’t have an effective method of sharing feedback and working with others to identify the real cause and brainstorm solutions. Their companies or teams may not see the value, or understand how to bring them together to share and give feedback. Throughout my career, I have acted as a problem solver, and I have worn several hats to do it: 🎯 Navigator: To help people navigate change, through a collaborative, transparent, and empathetic approach to reach better outcomes. 🎯 Connector: To help connect people in different areas of the business, so they can collaborate to develop better solutions to problems. Business & IT. Corporate & Remote Offices. Leadership & Teams. Business & Vendors. 🎯 Facilitator: Led teams of people through problem solving by leveraging unique, creative, and innovative methods, techniques, and tools. 🎯 Leader: Managed hundreds of projects and have been a steward of tens of millions of dollars in project budgets to implement new software, hardware, and solutions that add value and solve problems for companies and people. Here’s a few things I have learned over the past 35 years in my career: 💡 There are many problems, but it’s best to focus on the ones with the biggest impact. 💡 Start by fully defining the problem and understand why it’s occurring to the root level. 💡 Restate the problem as an opportunity to encourage more productive brainstorming of solutions. 💡 Focus on quantity of ideas when brainstorming. Weird, wild, non feasible ideas are welcome. 💡 Combine different ideas to find the solution to move forward with and develop. 💡 Test and iterate solution delivery early and often with focus on feedback. 💡 Don’t scale too early. Test the solution in a crawl, walk, run Approach. Here's Where I Share What I Have Learned 🔊 I am active in the LinkedIn community where I talk about these topics and more through a series of related and important topics. I strive to deliver interesting and applicable posts on LinkedIn. I’ll add more details to some posts on my FREE Substack site at https://lnkd.in/gUApUE-a. Follow me if you are interested in these topics, and remember to hit the 🔔 bell on my profile so you are updated when I post.